Real Madrid might have a decision to make over a player's future amid Serie A giants AC Milan showing interest. There are no plans for the club to sell any members of Alvaro Arbeloa's squad before the January transfer window closes on February 2nd.
The summer is when Madrid are expected to undergo an overhaul whether Arbeloa still be in charge or not. That could mean several high-profile names depart the Estadio Bernabeu especially those lacking desired game time.
One of those could be Brahim Diaz who has just returned from the African Cup of Nations. He finished as the tournament's top goalscorer but his campaign ended in heartbreak following Morocco's 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the final.
Real Madrid should sell Diaz... at the right price
There's no doubting Diaz's ability and he offers a versatile profile, able to play on the right wing but also in attacking midfield. But Madrid's stacked pool of attacking talent including Rodrygo, Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono are all competing for places in the team.
Diaz hasn't been a regular starter this season, starting just three of 12 La Liga games and managing two assists. Whether Arbeloa will hand him more opportunities remains to be seen.
According to Fichajes, AC Milan are willing to pay around €50m to bring Diaz back to the San Siro. The 26-year-old spent time on loan with the Serie A giants and would likely be handed a star role.
Madrid are keeping the door open regarding a potential deal especially if the Moroccan attacker pushes to return to Italy. He will have a year left on his contract in the summer so the club are under pressure to cash in.
It's claimed that if Los Blancos recieve offers upwards of €60m they will find it hard to resist. It's not just Milan who are showing interest as a possible move to the Premier League could be on the cards.
Given that Diaz only has one year left on his deal, it makes sense for Madrid to sell, especially for that amount of money. He's a bit-part player whose sale could allow the club to invest in other areas of the team that need strengthening this summer.
Arbeloa's stance over Diaz
Madrid will need to support Diaz after the devastating manner in which he and Morocco lost the AFCON final. He missed a last-minute penalty in regulation time that ultimately would have won his nation the trophy.
Arbeloa has backed the versatile attacker and suggested he has plans for him. He said ahead of the clash with Villarreal (via Madrid Xtra):
"Brahim? I'm very happy to have him with us. He's a great player, he'll give us a lot in different positions. He has a good mentality, happy to help us."
Diaz looks likely to stay at Madrid until at least the summer before a decision over his future is made. He might very well push for a departure if he doesn't get more minutes under Arbeloa.